Wednesday 20th June 2012

Spotted: Aston Martin Vanquish S manual

Aston has revived the Vanquish name - Harris is inspired by one of the previous ones...

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Aston Martin desperately needed a new flagship to sit above the DB9-alikes in the range, and the new Vanquish assumes that role. Sadly, I don't know about you, but I don't think the new car has that original Vanquish magic.

Not sure about the new Vanquish? Try this...

Of course it'll be better to drive and faster and all that other guff, but when we get down to the nitty-gritty, a big Aston needs to smack you in the chops with its gracious lines. To my eyes the original Vanquish remains the better looking car - but this is perhaps an unfair comparison, because to my twisted take on the auto-aesthetic (I like the Panamera, remember) the Vanquish is the best looking modern V12 GT of them all. Keep your 550, 575, 599 - the Vanquish is the one.

And with the S version, Aston finally made it a decent thing to drive too. More power, a better chassis, that slightly awkward chin extension but otherwise the same amazing styling.

Manual conversion seals the deal

This car has the ultimate specification though - the six-speed manual conversion by the Works Service. Back in 2010 I seriously considered having this done to a Vanquish because I had the bug badly - still do, come to think of it. The cost back then was £13,250 plus VAT. I've never driven one myself, but everyone raves about them. The market is already punishing automated paddle shift cars from the last decade - even at £20K, this modification could turn a profit over time.

The mileage is high, and the asking price is very strong, but the specification is perfect.
Despite my frequent dalliance with the Aston Vanquish section of the classifieds, I need to hat tip Mr Richard 'Sniff' Porter and Twitter for this one.

Off to research finance options...

See the original advert here.

See other used Aston Martin Vanquish for sale here

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ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH S
Engine: 5,935cc V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power (hp): 520@7,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 425@4,750rpm
MPG: You have to ask?
CO2: 396g/km
First registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 45,500
Price new: c. £174,000, plus gearbox conversion
Yours for: £79,950

 

 

 

[KevSeymour]

PH said:

RE: Spotted: Aston Martin Vantage S manual

It's not just the DM then?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2155447/Wo...

Edited by KevSeymour on Wednesday 20th June 12:27

[Lione1 Richie]

My old boss had a Black S - it was stunning, could spend hours looking at them.

The new one looks too fussy for me and doesn't have the class that these do. Running costs must cripple you though?

[ecs0set]

"Spotted: Aston Martin Vantage S manual"

Err, no it isn't?

[Neil1300R]

"it'll be better to drive and faster"
err, new Vanquish has a lower top end, so not faster than the original.
But I know what you mean

[Armen]

200 MPH top end for the Vanquish S

This is a true collectable car

[Krikkit]

I know it's just a fancy word for factory workshop, but somehow having something done by Aston Martin Works Service seems so glamorous.

[Dan Trent]

ecs0set said:

"Spotted: Aston Martin Vantage S manual"

Err, no it isn't?

The only thing more annoying than a typo in an article you've written? Somebody else then adding one in for you.

Ahem, guilty as charged... Sorry Chris!

[garypotter]

one of the greatest looking cars ever,

Also a sign of look at me I can afford to lose this many £thousands on a car!!

[thewheelman]

Hmmm a Ferrari 550 for under £50k or a grey/silver Aston. I'd take the Ferrari every time, personally I think Aston Martin is one of the most over rated car brands on the market.

[IDrinkPetrol]

Always wanted to like them but could never get past the styling. Those haunches.....

[365daytonafan]

Tough call this or a 550/575 with a manual box? To buy and use now probably the Ferrari. Do agree with Chris that a Vanquish with the works service manual conversion could be the better long term investment?

[wotnot]

IDrinkPetrol said:

Always wanted to like them but could never get past the styling. Those haunches.....

Strangely, I love those haunches. Best looking Aston ever in my book. However I too would have to seriously consider the 550/575 should I ever find myself in enviable position of being able to afford one.

[Japveesix]

Still think the Vanquish is the best looking modern aston. I'd like one in white, tad chavvy but I think it works:

[anonymous-user]

I drove the flappy padel version and it was definately a case of never meet your heros!

[TobesH]

Nicer than a DB9. Appreciating too now

[tommy vercetti]

I like the way this car has aged.

[nav p]

For me has to be one of the best car designs ever...some may call me a not true petrol head though as i find Manual gearboxes so old technology and tiresome...and i speak from my own experiances having had lots of manual cars and now drive great auto and dct gearbox cars...

[RevOne]

£13435 per year in depreciation since new, makes the money spent on manual conversion seem trivial and well worth it.

Such a good looking car and as for the haunches, they remind me of the Zagato DB7... which looks pretty great as well.

DO WANT!

[Couture]

Lovely colour.

[Gridl0k]

As nice as these cars are, and always will be, there's an XKR that looks 95% identical and can be had for peanuts. So there's that.

Edit: I typed XJR! What's with car typos today?